Ask the Judge: bad rounds, petting mounts, red flags and more

A trainer approaches you and asks about the placing of one of his horses and also comments on other rounds in the class. How do you handle this?

The rules require that there must be a steward present and only comments on the trainer’s horse would be provided.

There are two oxers shown on the course chart and one is marked to jump. A competitor jumps the un-marked oxer. Are they off course?

While it can so easily happen, the rider is unfortunately off course. The course designer needs to have the required jumps clearly marked, and could possibly have had an ‘X’ crossing off the jump that was not included.

If a rider is having a really bad round, do you prefer that they leave the ring, or continue on?

It is up to the rider. If possible, they should continue on and then sort out the issues outside of the ring after the trip.

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Do people ever approach you about horses or ponies for sale, or that they are looking to purchase, when you are judging ?

That is such forbidden territory. I simply say this is not a good time, please contact me well after the show if needed. This conversation needs to be ended as quickly as possible.

How do you feel about a rider in an equitation over fences class petting their horse at the end of their round ?

Bravo. Yes, a reward for a job well done! There has been a lot of controversy over this and all I can say is that it is a great example of compassion after we have asked them to do so much.

At the end of a handy or derby round, how do you like the horses to exit the ring ?

Promptly and at the walk. A nice obedient halt is good close to the in-gate, then walking out on a loose rein is an excellent finish.

A rider comes into the ring, picks up the wrong lead, pulls up, backs up and then picks up the right lead and carries on. How do you score this?

The score would be 40, just like a refusal. The only way to go from entry to exit is forward.

When a horse or pony wears a red ribbon in their tail for being a kicker, should it be removed when they are in the ring for an over-fences class?

Absolutely! I do not need to see any red flags. It is recommended for the schooling area, but not good for the ring where you are the sole performer.

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Rider Psychology

Ask the Judge: bad rounds, petting mounts, red flags and more

Randy Roy is a senior international judge, course designer and author. He owns and operates Hunters Glen Show Stable in King, ON, with his d

A trainer approaches you and asks about the placing of one of his horses and also comments on other rounds in the class. How do you handle this?

There are two oxers shown on the course chart and one is marked to jump. A competitor jumps the un-marked oxer. Are they off course?

If a rider is having a really bad round, do you prefer that they leave the ring, or continue on?

Do people ever approach you about horses or ponies for sale, or that they are looking to purchase, when you are judging ?

How do you feel about a rider in an equitation over fences class petting their horse at the end of their round ?

At the end of a handy or derby round, how do you like the horses to exit the ring ?

A rider comes into the ring, picks up the wrong lead, pulls up, backs up and then picks up the right lead and carries on. How do you score this?

When a horse or pony wears a red ribbon in their tail for being a kicker, should it be removed when they are in the ring for an over-fences class?

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